The Scent of Change

I have a board on Pinterest I've labeled TRUTH where I save inspiring quotes and positive messages I want to remember. I know that kind of thing doesn't float everyone's boat, but it works for me. I can so easily forget that I have the ability choose how I feel. Checking my TRUTH board can refocus an unraveling day.

Anyway yesterday as I was trolling Pinterest, I found this John Steinbeck quote about change coming like the scent of hidden flowers. Anytime I catch the sweet scent of unseen flowers, no matter where I am, I stop dead in my tracks and hunt for the fragrance's source. I want to identify and commit it to memory. To savor it fully.  I want more of it. As much as I can get.

So what if we applied the same diligence to embracing, say, new health habits? What would that look like? Looking with anticipation at the desired changes rather than aversion? Learning to savor rather than cringe over the challenges that accompany change? Or does it hint that like it or not, change happens before you see it? Or does it simply mean that we sense the need for change before we can fully experience it? I don't know, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one.

The flowers in the picture were printed using my StayzOn Black Ink Pad from a stamp I made  drawing on a styrofoam cheese tray I'd saved for that purpose. Then I used my trusty Inktense Pencils by Derwent and Twinkling H2O's by LuminArte paints for color.

Remember to take some time to enjoy the flowers today... because I love you. Bunches.

No Longer Fine

Upon reflection, it is apparent I believed that if I did everything the "right" way, I would be righteous, holy, successful and happy, although not necessarily in that particular order. I made it my life's mission to discover what those "right" ways were and to rigidly work out my life according to those ways. And I harshly judged the rest of the world by my unbending standards, finding them widely missing the mark. And as my son, the Handsome Ginger, once described it, "She spent her time telling everyone everything was fine.  And she was the only one fooled." How right he was.

Fast forward 30 years. I discovered "fine" is the acronym for "fouled up, insecure, neurotic and emotional." Yep, that about describes it. Bummer!

But here's the deal. I don't have to continue pretending everything is fine. I can ask for help. I can share my thoughts and questions with friends. I can journal. I can pray. I am free to make different choices once I face that the ones I've made to date aren't working for me. And so can you, dear one. Hope lives. Hope lives!

Change begins with one simple step. Change continues as we take one simple step after the other. Don't look at how far we have to go. Just look for the next step and pray for the courage to take it.

Dare to make the change your heart longs for. Move toward it. I can't wait to hear how it turns out for you. And if you need someone to pray, I'll be that person for you. Keep me posted.

And remember, I love you. Bunches.